AFWS launches search for 2012 Sommelier of the Year
The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) has launched its search for the 2012 UK Sommelier of the Year.
The organisation is inviting hospitality employers to nominate members of staff to the competition, which rewards sommeliers' knowledge of wine, understanding of the restaurant business and ability to cope under pressure.
The UK Sommelier of the Year competition consists of three rounds including a paper judging followed by regional finals. The top scoring sommeliers will then compete in the final, which will take place at the London International Wine Fair at ExCel on 23 May.
The competition's panel of judges will be headed by the Academy's technical director Gerard Basset, OBE, MW, MS, proprietor of Hotel TerraVina in Hampshire. Other judges will include former competition winners Matthieu Longuère, of the Michelin-starred La Trompette in London, and Ronan Sayburn, director of wine and spirits at Hotel du Vin.
Sommeliers can enter the competition by downloading an entry form from the AFWS website or by calling the Academy on 020 8661 4646. All entries must be supported by an employer nomination.
The closing date for entries is 23 March.
Yohann Jousselin crowned 2011 UK Sommelier of the Year >>
Fat Duck sommelier wins second place in international competition >>
Gerard Basset receives OBE from Princess Royal >>
By Kerstin Kühn
E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs